In a significant move to enhance road safety nationwide, the Ministry of Road Transport is developing an extensive strategy to introduce dedicated lanes for two-wheelers on state highways and city roads. This initiative also includes constructing pedestrian foot-over bridges (FOBs) or underpasses along major urban arterial roads.
The primary aim is to tackle traffic non-segregation, a major factor contributing to India’s high road accident rates.
Two-Wheelers in Focus
Government statistics reveal that 44% of road accidents and related fatalities in India involve two-wheelers. Pedestrians account for 17% of total crashes and 19% of fatalities. Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) – pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders – represent over half of road accident fatalities.
Initiative ‘SAFE’: Prioritizing Road Safety
As part of the ‘SAFE’ initiative, the Ministry has released a consultation paper to develop strategies aimed at reducing road crashes and fatalities, focusing on protecting VRUs. Inspired by successful implementations in countries like Malaysia, which have dedicated corridors for two-wheelers on highways, the proposed strategies aim to segregate traffic and reduce accidents.
Educational Emphasis on Road Safety
The Ministry’s proposals also include incorporating comprehensive road safety modules into school curricula and holding annual road safety workshops. This initiative is crucial, as over 50% of road accident victims are young people.
A Bold Vision for Safer Roads
The scheme’s overarching goal is to achieve a 70% reduction in accidents and fatalities per 10,000 vehicles and a 50% reduction per 10,000 km of road length. The plan also aims to improve institutional capabilities, policy frameworks, and financial structures for effective implementation. “The implementation of these interventions will be precise and measurable,” sources told media.
